Autumn is a lovely time to enjoy family adventures across Lancashire, with colourful woodland walks, pumpkin patches, wildlife experiences and seasonal events offering plenty of ways to keep children entertained. Whether you're planning activities for October half-term, looking for affordable weekend outings or trying to find something fun when the weather turns rainy, there are lots of autumn activities for kids in Lancashire to choose from. From indoor soft play and pumpkin picking to watching migrating birds and making autumn crafts, these 20 ideas offer a mixture of indoor entertainment, outdoor adventures and activities you can enjoy at home.

20 Best Autumn Activities for Kids in Lancashire

1. Enjoy Indoor Autumn Adventures at Jungle World Park

When the autumn weather turns cold or rainy, Jungle World Park offers indoor activities for children who still want to run, jump, climb and play.

With venues in Leyland and Blackpool, Jungle World Park caters for children aged 0–12 and provides different play areas for younger and older visitors.

At the Leyland venue, children can enjoy:

• Multi-level soft play frames and climbing equipment
• A large indoor jungle slide
• A dedicated toddler soft play area
• Safari electric go-karts
• Laser tag for children aged five and above
• Ball pits, trampolines and active play areas

There's also a Tropical Tiki Café where families can take a break and enjoy refreshments.

For younger children, the nursery-age play sessions offer opportunities to enjoy age-appropriate activities. The venue also provides calmer sessions for children who prefer a quieter environment.

Seasonal highlight for 2026: Jungle World Leyland has advertised a Halloween party for Saturday 31 October, from 4pm to 6pm, featuring dancing, fancy dress, games and food options.

Best for: Toddlers, children aged 0–12, rainy days and families with children of different ages.

Planning tip: Check the Jungle World Leyland sessions and upcoming activities and events before visiting. Some attractions have separate charges and age restrictions.

2. Pick Pumpkins at Farmer Ted's Pumpkin Festival

Location: Ormskirk

Pumpkin picking is one of the most popular autumn activities for families, and Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm offers a seasonal festival with plenty to enjoy.

Its 2026 Pumpkin Festival runs from 2 October to 1 November.

Families can wander through the Pumpkin Village, which features pumpkins and gourds in different shapes, sizes and colours.

Children can choose their favourite pumpkin, enjoy seasonal displays and take photographs around the farm.

The festival also includes access to the farm animals, play areas and selected attractions.

Best for: Toddlers, primary-school children and families who enjoy Halloween activities.

Planning tip: Pumpkin Festival admission includes the seasonal attractions, but pumpkins cost extra. Book ahead for busy October weekends and half-term dates.

3. Go on an Autumn Leaf Hunt at Worden Park

Location: Leyland

Worden Park is a lovely place for children to discover autumn colours.

The park has extensive woodland, open spaces, gardens and a large children's playground.

During autumn, families can enjoy walking beneath colourful trees and looking for fallen leaves in different shades.

Turn your visit into a simple scavenger hunt by asking children to find a yellow leaf, a brown leaf or two leaves with different shapes.

Afterwards, head to the playground or enjoy a picnic if the weather is pleasant.

The park also has a miniature railway and mini golf, with opening times depending on the season.

Best for: Low-cost family outings, nature walks and outdoor play.

Planning tip: Park entry is free. Check parking restrictions and seasonal operating times for individual attractions.

For more outdoor ideas, see our guide to parks in Lancashire.

4. Discover Autumn Wildlife at Brockholes Nature Reserve

Location: Samlesbury, near Preston

Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a peaceful outdoor setting where families can look for wildlife and enjoy seasonal walks.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust manages this nature reserve, which includes wetlands, woodland, walking routes and a floating visitor centre.

Autumn is a good time to watch birds and notice the changing colours around the reserve.

Children can also enjoy looking for different plants, leaves and signs of wildlife during a walk.

2026 half-term highlight: Brockholes has advertised an Xplorer outdoor challenge, pumpkin carving and free upcycled craft activities from 24 October into early November, with different dates applying to each activity.

Best for: Nature-loving children, outdoor discovery and family walks.

Planning tip: Check the reserve's activity calendar for booking requirements and any charges. Supervise children around lakes and wetland areas.

5. Watch Migrating Birds at WWT Martin Mere

Location: Burscough

Autumn brings a remarkable change to Lancashire's wetlands as migrating birds arrive for the colder months.

WWT Martin Mere is a lovely place for children to observe this seasonal movement.

Families can watch wildfowl from bird hides, follow walking trails and learn about the different birds visiting the reserve.

Pink-footed geese and whooper swans are among the birds associated with Martin Mere's autumn and winter seasons.

The centre also has outdoor play areas, stepping stones and opportunities for nature discovery.

2026 half-term highlight: Martin Mere's SUPER Natural event runs from 24 October to 1 November, offering a family-friendly seasonal experience with wildlife, themed activities and creative play.

Best for: Birdwatching, outdoor learning and family nature adventures.

Planning tip: Bring binoculars if you have them, along with warm clothing and waterproof footwear. General admission is paid, and some activities may have extra charges.

6. Follow Woodland Trails at Beacon Fell Country Park

Location: Goosnargh, near Preston

Beacon Fell Country Park is a good choice for families who enjoy autumn woodland walks.

The park features woodland, grassland, moorland and views across the surrounding Lancashire countryside.

Children can follow waymarked paths, notice changing leaf colours and look for the wooden sculptures around the park.

The sculpture trail adds a playful element to a woodland walk, giving children something interesting to find along the way.

There's also a visitor centre, toilets, picnic areas and a café.

Best for: Nature walks, family photographs and outdoor discovery.

Planning tip: The official route leaflet includes a shorter summit trail of approximately 30 minutes and a woodland trail of approximately 40 minutes. Choose a route suitable for your children's abilities and check ground conditions after rain.

7. Enjoy an Autumn Nature Walk at Cuerden Valley Park

Location: Bamber Bridge and Clayton-le-Woods

Cuerden Valley Park offers woodland, meadows, open countryside and walking routes that suit different family outings.

During autumn, the changing trees and fallen leaves create an attractive setting for nature walks.

Encourage your children to listen for birds, compare leaf shapes and look for signs of seasonal changes.

You could also take photographs of the same tree at different points during autumn to show how its appearance changes.

The park has a visitor centre and refreshment facilities, with separate opening arrangements.

Best for: Relaxed walks, nature photography and affordable outdoor activities.

Planning tip: Parking charges may apply, and some paths can become muddy. Choose a shorter route when visiting with toddlers.

8. Go on a Woodland Story Adventure at Gisburn Forest

Location: Slaidburn, Forest of Bowland

Gisburn Forest is a lovely destination for children who enjoy woodland adventures.

Managed by Forestry England, the forest offers waymarked walking routes and views across Stocks Reservoir and the Forest of Bowland.

Families can follow the interactive Room on the Broom trail, inspired by the familiar children's story.

The themed activities give children opportunities to look for clues and enjoy imaginative play while walking through the forest.

You can also plan a simple nature game by asking children to spot pine cones, different trees and signs of wildlife.

Best for: Children who enjoy stories, woodland activities and outdoor adventures.

Planning tip: The Room on the Broom trail is aimed mainly at children aged 3–9, and Forestry England says it isn't suitable for pushchairs. Check the route and car parking information before travelling.

9. Visit the Pumpkin Patch at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park

Location: Clayton-le-Dale, near Blackburn

Mrs Dowsons Farm Park offers a fun mix of farm animals, play areas and seasonal activities.

Its 2026 Pumpkin Patch event runs from 3 to 31 October.

Children can wander through the pumpkin field, choose a pumpkin and enjoy the farm's autumn-themed surroundings.

The farm also offers opportunities to see animals and use indoor and outdoor play facilities.

This makes it a good choice for families who want more than pumpkin picking alone.

Best for: Pumpkin picking, younger children and farm-themed family days out.

Planning tip: The 2026 event lists one standard-sized pumpkin with admission. Extra pumpkins and certain games may cost more. Check ticket inclusions before booking.

10. Meet Farm Animals at Windmill Animal Farm

Location: Burscough

Windmill Animal Farm is another lovely destination for an autumn family outing.

Children can meet farm animals, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas and discover more about life on a farm.

The miniature railway is another attraction, subject to its operating schedule.

During October, the farm also hosts seasonal pumpkin activities, giving families another reason to visit.

You could turn the day into a simple learning game by asking children to identify animals and describe what they can see.

Best for: Toddlers, animal-loving children and longer family days out.

Planning tip: Windmill Animal Farm's Pumpkin Picking Adventure is listed for 10–31 October 2026. Check admission arrangements and any additional activity charges before visiting.

11. See the Blackpool Illuminations

Location: Blackpool Promenade

Blackpool Illuminations are a popular autumn tradition and a fun evening activity for families.

Children can enjoy looking at colourful lights, illuminated displays and decorations along the seafront.

You can walk along a manageable section of the promenade or view the lights during a family journey.

Younger children may enjoy identifying shapes and colours, while older children can look out for different designs.

2026 dates: Blackpool Illuminations run from 4 September 2026 until 3 January 2027.

Best for: Family evenings, colourful light displays and low-cost seasonal entertainment.

Planning tip: Viewing the Illuminations is free, although parking, transport and other attractions may cost extra. Dress warmly and keep children close near roads and crowded areas.

12. Discover the Lightpool Festival in Blackpool

Location: Blackpool town centre and promenade

For a different autumn evening activity, visit Blackpool's Lightpool Festival.

The festival brings illuminated artworks, projections and performances to different indoor and outdoor locations around the town.

Families can follow the light trail and enjoy the creative displays together.

Children may enjoy watching changing colours, moving images and interactive installations.

2026 dates: Lightpool Festival takes place from 21 to 31 October, with the outdoor art trail advertised from 6pm to 9pm each evening.

Best for: Families, older children, seasonal evening outings and creative experiences.

Planning tip: Much of the festival is free, but selected performances may charge admission. Check the locations and access information before setting off, as installations are spread across Blackpool.

13. Enjoy Halloween Wildlife Activities at Blackpool Zoo

Location: Blackpool

Blackpool Zoo combines animal encounters with seasonal activities during October half-term.

Children can visit animal habitats, learn about different species and enjoy the zoo's outdoor spaces.

The zoo's 2026 Wizarding Wildlife School runs from 24 October to 1 November.

Activities included with general admission feature wildlife-themed lessons, a study log and other Halloween experiences.

For families interested in additional activities, the zoo also offers a separate paid VIP experience for children aged five and above.

Best for: Animal lovers, school-age children and Halloween-themed learning.

Planning tip: General zoo admission is paid. Check the distinction between included activities and separately ticketed experiences before booking.

14. Take a Halloween Train Ride at Ribble Steam Railway

Location: Preston

Children who love trains may enjoy a visit to Ribble Steam Railway during October half-term.

The attraction includes historic locomotives, railway exhibits and train journeys along Preston's docks.

Special autumn events add another reason to visit.

In 2026, the railway advertised a Brick Show on 24 October, a Haunted Railbus event on 28 October and Halloween Spooky Trains on 31 October and 1 November.

These events offer a mixture of model displays, railway journeys and seasonal entertainment.

Best for: Train enthusiasts, children interested in transport and family half-term outings.

Planning tip: Train services operate on selected dates rather than every day. Check the timetable and whether booking is required before travelling.

15. Join Autumn Crafts and Story Time at The Harris

Location: Preston city centre

If you need an indoor activity during a wet autumn afternoon, The Harris offers a mixture of art, history and family learning.

The museum, gallery and library in Preston's Market Square provide opportunities for children to discover exhibitions, look at books and enjoy family activities.

The Harris also runs regular story time sessions and children's activities.

Its October 2026 programme includes family-friendly workshops, printing activities and creative sessions during half-term.

Younger visitors may enjoy the library and picture books, while older children can take part in suitable workshops or look around the galleries.

Best for: Rainy days, art activities, reading and creative children.

Planning tip: General entry is free, but some workshops require tickets or advance booking. Check the current family events calendar before visiting.

16. Make Autumn Leaf Prints at Home

Not every autumn activity needs a day out.

Leaf printing is a simple craft that children can enjoy at home using natural materials collected during a walk.

You will need:

• Clean fallen leaves
• Washable, non-toxic paint
• Paper
• A paintbrush

Help your child spread paint onto the back of a leaf and gently press it onto paper.

Lift the leaf away to reveal its shape.

Try different leaf sizes and autumn colours such as yellow, orange, red and brown.

Learning benefit: Encourages creativity, hand coordination and an interest in natural patterns.

Safety tip: Check the leaves before use, and supervise young children with paint and natural materials.

For more indoor inspiration, read our guide to rainy-day activities for kids and families.

17. Bake a Simple Autumn Apple Crumble

Autumn is a lovely time to introduce children to easy seasonal baking.

Apple crumble is a good family activity because children can help with tasks such as mixing, measuring and arranging ingredients.

Prepare the apples yourself, then let your child help make the crumble topping using a suitable family recipe.

Younger children can stir ingredients in a large bowl, while older children may enjoy measuring quantities.

Talk about how the ingredients look and feel before and after cooking.

Learning benefit: Encourages counting, communication, hand coordination and practical everyday skills.

Safety tip: Adults should handle sharp utensils, hot dishes and the oven. Check for allergies and make sure the finished food has cooled before serving.

18. Paint and Decorate Autumn Pumpkins

Pumpkin painting is a fun activity that can continue the autumn theme after a visit to a pumpkin patch.

Choose a whole pumpkin and place it on a covered table.

Provide child-safe paint, chunky brushes and paper for practising designs.

Children can paint faces, colourful patterns or pictures of their favourite animals.

Older children may enjoy creating detailed designs, while younger ones can experiment with dots and lines.

You can display the finished pumpkin near a window or on a suitable table.

Learning benefit: Supports creativity, colour recognition and fine motor skills.

Safety tip: Choose painting instead of carving for younger children. Adults should handle all cutting and keep sharp tools out of reach.

19. Enjoy a Rainy-Day Puddle Walk

Autumn weather doesn't always mean staying indoors.

On a mild, rainy day, put on waterproof coats and wellies and head outside for a short supervised puddle walk.

Children can listen to raindrops, watch water collect and make gentle splashes in shallow puddles.

Turn the walk into a simple observation game by asking questions such as:

"Can you hear the rain?"

"Which puddle is bigger?"

"What happens when you jump?"

Learning benefit: Encourages movement, balance, listening and an early understanding of cause and effect.

Safety tip: Choose shallow puddles away from roads, drains and contaminated water. Bring spare clothes so children can get warm and dry afterwards.

20. Create an Autumn Nature Scavenger Hunt

Finish your autumn activities with a nature scavenger hunt that works in a garden, local park or suitable woodland.

Prepare a simple picture checklist featuring seasonal objects.

Children could look for:

• A yellow leaf
• A brown leaf
• A pine cone
• A bird
• A spider's web
• A fallen twig

Younger children can point at objects, while older children mark them on a checklist.

You could also invite children to draw something they notice during the walk.

Learning benefit: Encourages observation, early counting, communication and curiosity about nature.

Safety tip: Children don't need to collect every object. Leave fungi, berries and unfamiliar plants untouched, and keep small natural objects away from toddlers who may put them in their mouths.

Which Autumn Activities in Lancashire Are Best for Different Ages?

Children enjoy different activities depending on their age, interests and abilities.

These are suggestions rather than fixed age rules.

Always follow the age restrictions of individual attractions and choose activities that suit your child's abilities.

Free and Low-Cost Autumn Activities for Kids in Lancashire

You don't need an expensive family day out to enjoy the autumn season.

Several activities offer free general access or can be organised with supplies you already have.

For ticketed attractions, look at the full family price, including parking, optional activities and food, before deciding where to visit.

How to Plan Autumn Family Days Out in Lancashire

A little preparation can help make your autumn outings more enjoyable, particularly when the weather is unpredictable.

Check Seasonal Opening Dates

Pumpkin festivals, Halloween events and railway services don't necessarily run every day throughout autumn.

Check official opening calendars and book tickets where required.

Keep an Indoor Backup Activity

A woodland walk may be enjoyable in light rain, but strong wind or heavy rainfall can change your plans.

Keeping an indoor option available can help.

For families around Preston and Leyland, Jungle World Park provides indoor play, while museums and libraries offer quieter alternatives.

You can find more local inspiration in our guide to half-term activities near Chorley and Preston.

Dress Children for the Weather

Autumn temperatures can change throughout the day.

Bring warm layers, waterproof coats, suitable shoes and spare clothes.

For woodland walks, check whether paths are muddy or uneven and choose routes suitable for your children or pushchair.

Take Care Around Farm Animals

Farm attractions can be enjoyable learning experiences, but parents should follow hygiene rules carefully.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after touching animals, fences or surfaces in animal areas, and before eating.

Hand sanitiser alone isn't a substitute for proper handwashing after animal contact.

Give Children Time to Enjoy the Activity

You don't need to visit several attractions in one day.

Young children may be happiest with a short play session, a nature walk and plenty of time for snacks and breaks.

Choose quality time together over a packed schedule.

Final Thoughts

Autumn brings plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy Lancashire's countryside, seasonal attractions and indoor entertainment.

From pumpkin festivals and woodland trails to wildlife watching, light displays and creative activities at home, these 20 autumn activities for kids in Lancashire offer ideas for different ages, budgets and weather conditions.

When it's too wet or chilly for a longer outdoor adventure, Jungle World Park offers indoor play for children at its Leyland and Blackpool locations.

Choose a few activities that suit your family, check seasonal schedules and enjoy discovering Lancashire together this autumn.

For more local family days out, read our guide to things to do in Lancashire with kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best autumn activities for kids in Lancashire?

Pumpkin picking, woodland walks, wildlife watching, Blackpool Illuminations and indoor soft play are enjoyable choices. Popular locations include Farmer Ted's, Worden Park, Brockholes, WWT Martin Mere and Jungle World Park. The right option depends on your children's ages, the weather and your budget.

2. Where can families go pumpkin picking in Lancashire?

Families can visit seasonal pumpkin events at Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm, Mrs Dowsons Farm Park and Windmill Animal Farm. These attractions offer different activities alongside pumpkin picking. Check their official dates, entry charges and whether pumpkins are included before booking your visit.

3. What can kids do in Lancashire when it rains during autumn?

Jungle World Park in Leyland and Blackpool offers indoor soft play for children aged 0–12. Families can also visit The Harris in Preston or try crafts such as leaf printing and pumpkin painting at home. Check session times and activity bookings before setting off.

4. Are there free autumn activities for children in Lancashire?

Yes. Families can enjoy leaf hunts in public parks, woodland walks, autumn scavenger hunts, Blackpool Illuminations and the free Lightpool art trail. Some places charge for parking, refreshments or optional activities, so check the full cost when planning your outing.

5. What autumn activities are suitable for toddlers in Lancashire?

Toddlers may enjoy Jungle World Park's age-appropriate play sessions, short walks in Worden Park, supervised pumpkin painting, picture books and gentle farm visits. Keep activities short, provide warm clothing and avoid small natural objects that could present choking hazards.